PCSSR-DNNWA: A Physical Constraints Based Surface Snowfall Rate
Retrieval Algorithm Using Deep Neural Networks With Attention Module
Abstract
Global surface snowfall rate estimation is crucial for hydrological and
meteorological applications but is still a challenging task. We present
a novel approach to comprehensively consider passive microwave, infrared
and physical constraints using deep neural networks with attention
module for retrieving surface snowfall rate, namely PCSSR-DNNWA.
PCSSR-DNNWA outperforms traditional approaches in predicting surface
snowfall rate with CC ~ 0.75, ME ~ -0.03
mm/h, and RMSE ~ 0.21 mm/h. In addition, we found that
graupel water path (GWP) is of vital importance with largest
contributions in retrieving surface snowfall rate. Integrating the
physical constraints, PCSSR-DNNWA paves a new avenue for retrieving
satellite-borne surface snowfall rate by intelligently considering the
varying importance of the multiple predictors, resulting in increased
accuracy, interpretability, and computational efficiency.